Peter Crouch is shock new West Ham target as Samuel Eto'o deal collapses

WEST HAM are set to turn to Peter Crouch to solve their striker problems after Samuel Eto'o priced himself out of a move to Upton Park.

Published 2nd August 2014

TALL ORDER: Peter Crouch could be the man to solve West Ham's striker issues [GETTY ]

Sam Allardyce is on the hunt for a hit-man to replace Andy Carroll up front after the Geordie big-man was ruled out for four months with ankle ligament damage.

And they don't come much bigger than Stoke striker Peter Crouch who looks to be surplus to requirements at the Britannia.

But Allardyce has only turned his attention to the well-travelled forward after giving up on Eto'o, with the veteran superstar's £100,000-a-week wage demands proving a bridge too far.

Crouch has spoken of his desire to stay and fight for his place at Stoke despite the arrivals of front men Mame Diouf and Bojan this summer.

And with Potters boss Mark Hughes ready to listen to offers in the region of £1m for the former England international, West Ham looks likely to be the 33-year-old's best chance of regular action this season.

DEBUT: Carl Jenkinson is set to make his debut today in a friendly against Sampdoria [GETTY]

“Valencia is set to take his bow in a West Ham shirt in next Saturday's friendly at home to Sampdoria”

Another name being circulated is Portuguese striker Hugo Almeida who is available on a free after leaving Turkish side Besiktas.

The Hammers are set to hand Carl Jenkinson some playing time in today's friendly away to Schalke following the defender's season-long loan switch from Arsenal.

But Hammers fans will have to wait until their team return from the two-match tournament in Germany, which also features Newcastle and Malaga, to see new striker Enner Valencia in action.

The Ecuador international has some paperwork loose ends to tie-up although he has already been granted a work permit.

Valencia is set to take his bow in a West Ham shirt in next Saturday's friendly at home to Sampdoria.